PARA PKM

Organize by actionability, not topic. Projects/Areas/Resources/Archives for optimal AI navigation. Monthly review cadence.

Core Concepts

• Projects = Time-bound goals with deadlines (completes → Archives); includes projects/stories/ for job applications
• Areas = Ongoing responsibilities (use _overview.md per area for context)
• Resources = Reference material; when unsure, put here temporarily
• Archives = Inactive items from any category

Decision Tree

Has deadline/end state? → Projects
Ongoing responsibility? → Areas
Reference material? → Resources (default for uncertain items)
Completed/inactive? → Archives

Quick Start

1. python scripts/init_para_kb.py <name> - Creates PARA + projects/stories/ + navigation
2. Identify projects (deadlines) → areas (ongoing) → resources (reference)
3. python scripts/generate_nav.py - Generate AI navigation

Scripts

Script	Purpose	Usage
init_para_kb.py	Scaffold new KB	<name> [--path <dir>]
validate_para.py	Check structure, detect anti-patterns	[path]
archive_project.py	Archive with metadata (date, origin)	<project-file> [--kb-path]
generate_nav.py	Create AI nav (<100 lines)	[--kb-path] [--output]

Templates

Template	Purpose
assets/AGENTS.md.template	AI navigation index
assets/project.md.template	Project file structure
assets/area-overview.md.template	Area _overview.md format
assets/README.md.template	Knowledge base README

Patterns by Role

• Developers: projects/active/ features/bugs, areas/professional-development/, resources/coding-standards/
• Consultants: projects/active/ deliverables + projects/stories/, areas/consulting/clients/, resources/templates/
• Researchers: projects/active/ papers/grants, areas/research-program/, resources/literature-review/
• Product Builders: projects/active/ launches, areas/product-development/{active,research,graduated,legacy}/

Complex Scenarios

Client = project + relationship: projects/active/client-x.md (deliverables) + areas/consulting/clients/client-x.md (relationship, billing)

Research lifecycle: areas/product-development/{research → graduated → active → legacy} with cross-references

Anti-Patterns

• inbox/ folder (capture directly into PARA; use Resources when uncertain)
• Deep nesting (max 2-3 levels; flat > nested)
• Topic-based organization ("work/personal" → use actionability)
• Todo folders (tasks belong with their projects/areas)
• Perfectionism (move freely as understanding evolves; monthly review catches misplacements)

Content Lifecycle

Resources → Projects → Archives (research → active work → completed)
Areas → Archives (no longer responsible)
Projects ⟺ Areas (goal becomes ongoing or vice versa)

AI Navigation & Success Tips

• Keep nav under 100 lines; point to paths not files; minimize tokens
• Start simple ("What am I working on now?"); one home per item (use links)
• Monthly review: archive completed, reassess areas; let patterns emerge

References

• para-principles.md - Complete PARA method, "actionability not topic" principle
• decision-guide.md - Detailed decision tree with edge cases
• common-patterns.md - Proven patterns for different roles
• ai-navigation.md - AI-friendly navigation best practices